Esther Barron and her husband Joe Prendergast's business dates back to 1887, and this wonderfully traditional bakery still uses the original Scottish brick ovens to make breads with real flavour and an old-fashioned crust; the range is wide (and well worth investigating), but the Waterford 'blaas' are unique.
Barron's is one of four bakeries awarded by Euro-Toques for their production of this traditional square white yeasted roll, which has held EU PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status since 2013 and is one of only a handful of Irish products to have achieved this.
Alongside the bakery, there's a popular café and shop selling their baked goods and other wholesome fare.
In 2011 the Barrons brought out 'Our Daily Bread', a unique book in which author Roz Crowley traces the history of Barron's Bakery and, through it, a social history of this delightful small town; published by Onstream it is available online (www.onstream.ie, €25+P&P).
